Physlets

Introduction

Forces -- space telescope

If you've ever played the arcade game (or computer game) Asteroids, then you are somewhat familiar with what it takes to change the speed and direction of a moving object. It's not easy to do! In fact, getting high score on Asteroids may be a requirement for NASA aerospace engineers.

In the following animation, a telescope is traveling horizontally with a constant velocity. You can engage any combination of four engines that exert constant forces on the telescope. Engine A exerts a force in the -x direction, B in the +y direction, C in the +x direction, and D in the -y direction.

scenario	actions
The telescope is at rest and suddently (at t = 2s), engines A and B engage.	view
The telescope is moving with a constant velocity in the -x direction and suddently (at t = 2s), engines A and B engage.	view
The telescope is moving with a constant velocity in the -x direction and suddently (at t = 2s), engine B engages.	view
The telescope is moving with a constant velocity in the -x direction and suddently (at t = 2s), engine C engages.	view
The telescope is moving with a constant velocity in the -x direction and suddently (at t = 2s), engine C and D engage.	view
The telescope is moving with a constant velocity in the -x direction and suddently (at t = 2s), all engines engage.	view

Dr. Aaron Titus | High Point University| titus@mailaps.org